Digital technology

With the NYC marathon tomorrow, one would think that all the runners had to do was eat a large plate of pasta the night before (lots of carbs for energy), keep well hydrated, and run. However, that's so last century. Now our fellow marathoners have gadgets – such as GPS units and heart rate monitors-- that help them see if they are keeping to their targeted pace. According to the article in the NY Times, Running the Digital Marathon, "every competitor will wear a shoe with a chip that will record their progress, and can send e-mail updates every five kilometers to spectators who subscribe to the service." Whatever happened to just watching them on tv or cheering them on live as they run by?

Again, that's so last century.

However, just like everything else, technology has infiltrated into this time honored tradition of endurance and stamina. Some runners can become dependent on new technology (some have MP3 players, though other marathoners have expressed opposition because it takes away from the thrill of the marathon), while others have chosen to stay away from it due to technical difficulties. "After all, MP3s freeze. G.P.S. units have glitches."

All in all, each person knows themselves best. If GPS units and/or MP3 players help them through the 26+ miles, we say "Go for it!"

Good luck to all those running tomorrow!